My Short Bio (2-level Artificial Disc Replacement, Stenum)

**rhatzy** · 05-06-2009, 10:16 AM

I'm new to this site so Here's my info. I had a discectomy in 1996 at L4-5. In August of 2007, I ruptured L3-4 while on a backpacking trip. Had a discectomy on this because I figured it worked the last time, However, it got worse and my old disc at L4-5 was very dessicated. I had pain in the back, buttocks, legs and feet. My orthopedic offered pain management, PT and if that didn't work, two level fusion. I did the PT and pain management and that was a wate of time and money and I knew I didn't want fusion because I know of 3 other people with multilevel fusion that are doing horribly. I researched the web and found ADR. I asked my orthopedic and it turned out that he was involved in the Maverick trials and had put one in. However, he said it wasn't a good idea. I told him that fusion was even a nuttier idea and stopped seeing him.

I went to Stenum in January 08 and got a two level ADR. Alot of the pain disappeared but I still had to rely on opiates for about 6 months until it all of a sudden went away. In October of 08, I went back to work as a captain for American Airlines. I only know of 3 other pilots in the USA flying with ADR. Also another pilot from my company is getting the prodisc in a few weeks and my companies insurance is paying for it.

The decision for me to get ADR was not easy and I struggled with it for awhile, but now, It's the best decision I have ever made.

Mark

**SemperFi** · 05-22-2009, 12:55 PM

Congratulations! As someone with 3 problematic lumbar discs who buys 3 plane seats (coach) to fly from CA to Fla I'm actually happy to know that there are a few pilots out there that would "get that"~ you should see the weird looks I get when I check in tho airline employees are most gracious/kind about helping me out usually.

Anyway, great comeback story! Keep us posted!

**KBear** · 05-23-2009, 02:14 PM

Rhatzy,
Glad to hear of your successful ADR surgery at Stenum. I have heard lots of wonderful things about them.
Had no idea you were a pilot? My uncle flew the 777 from LaGuardia to Paris and/or London for several years before the mandatory retirement. He flew for Delta. He has twin sons and they both fly, one flys for SkyWest Airlines and is a Captain and the other flys for Continental Airlines and is a Captain as well, last name Bixby.

**Justin** · 05-23-2009, 06:45 PM

Hey Mark,

Thanks for sharing your story! Talk about an elite club--pilots with ADRs!

That is awesome!

Let us know how your colleague does after his ProDisc surgery.

**Terry Newton** · 05-25-2009, 05:24 PM

Mark:

Congratulations on your successful surgery at Stenum. I am glad to know that you continue to do well. Welcome to our unbiased site where one can share about anyplace they have went to for care and they will be supported.

Hang in there.

**Justin** · 05-30-2009, 11:25 AM

Hey Mark,

This is probably a dumb question, but I'm curious. Did the airline require you to do anything in particular on your end -- a physical or clearance to fly from an independent medical examiner -- to resume your duties as a pilot? I've always wondered how that works, as I know the aviation field has very strict procedures and policies.

BTW, do you have any ongoing symptoms? I'm so glad to hear that ADR was the best decision you've ever made.

**Cindylou** · 06-03-2009, 11:24 PM

Mark, great post. Glad to see you are doing so well, and yes, I remember your posts from another site saying that you are a pilot. Welcome back to life, huh?! And welcome

to this SPS forum as well. Great folks here.

**Gilbert P** · 06-03-2009, 11:31 PM

Hi Rhatzy

Thanks for your post, I agree ADR is not an easy decision, I am happy for you that you are doing so well.

Sitting in a pilot seat must be

at times.

Thanks Again and keep us posted on your progress

Gilbert P

**Justin** · 09-23-2009, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by Justin

Hey Mark,

This is probably a dumb question, but I'm curious. Did the airline require you to do anything in particular on your end -- a physical or clearance to fly from an independent medical examiner -- to resume your duties as a pilot? I've always wondered how that works, as I know the aviation field has very strict procedures and policies.

BTW, do you have any ongoing symptoms? I'm so glad to hear that ADR was the best decision you've ever made.

Hey Mark,

I hope you are doing well. If you have time, I wanted to see if you could answer some of the questions in the quote above.

By the way, do you have to get up and stretch during your longer flights? I constantly squirm around when I am seated in a chair--now that I think of it, I guess I always have since my spine injury in my early teens. Changing my position sitting / standing is best for me.

Talk to you soon. :thumpup:

**rhatzy** · 05-05-2010, 08:15 PM

It's been 27 months after my 2 level lumbar at Stenum in January 08 and couldn't be happier. Been back at work since Ocober of 08. In October of 09, I bought a nice high performance glider and have been flying it since. I have no pain and take no meds not even aspirin. It was the best decision I have made and am now trying to enjoy life more. I do all the yard work, shoveling snow and going to the batting cages hitting a couple hundred balls at a time. I hope that everyone can have the success I have had with my surgery.

My company, American Airlines now refers people with back problems to me and there have been a couple that have gone to Stenum with very good results. Just hope the FDA and the insurance companies get in line with this and move it along. It will actually save them money.

Mark